Expanding Access to Healthy Materials: Updates to HML Material Collections

Healthy Materials Lab is excited to share a major update to HML Material Collections, our most widely used public resource for vetted, healthier building products. This launch includes new research and assessment and reflects our ongoing commitment to material transparency and public access.

This update brings significant growth and improvements to both content and usability:

• A redesigned interface with improved navigation
• Advanced search tools, allowing users to search by ingredient, application, or brand
• 50 newly vetted products, reviewed and evaluated for health and carbon impacts
• Three new material collections:
  • Secondary Raw Materials Collection, highlighting materials that support reuse and circularity
  • Plaster Collection, featuring natural and low-impact plaster options for walls and finishes
  • Emerging Materials Collection, showcasing innovative materials with potential for healthier applications
• Greater visibility into material transparency, including the ability to identify products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

While many of these products are well established, their recent vetting and inclusion in the updated HML Material Collections reflect renewed confidence in their value. This expansion gives easier access to trusted solutions and reaffirms our commitment to healthier design and construction.

Material transparency is the foundation of Healthy Materials Lab’s work. Knowing what materials are made of, how those ingredients affect human and environmental health, and how their production impacts communities, is essential to creating healthier spaces. HML Material Collections is designed to support designers, architects, housing professionals, and advocates who seek clear, health-based information to inform their decisions.

This updated platform makes it easier to explore materials in detail -by ingredient or type - compare options, and understand materials across various applications.

To better support the accelerated growth of healthier buildings for everyone, our growing, updated Material Collections are accessed through a free account. This allows us to:

• Sustain ongoing vetting and regular material updates
• Share new products and collection releases with users
• Better understand how the Collections are used, helping us improve its functionality over time

The updated HML Materials Collection is part of a broader mission to make health-based material research accessible to everyone. This work is supported by our community of donors and by Friends of Healthy Materials, whose contributions help ensure that these resources remain free and accessible to designers and building professionals worldwide.

We invite you to explore the expanded Collection, try the new search tools, and join us in advancing healthier, more transparent materials for the built environment. 

(We thank you for your patience as we work out the technical kinks as the portal is still finding its new legs!) 

Why do I need to create an account to access the New HML Material Collections?

The updated HML Material Collection is a living research resource that continues to grow as new materials are vetted and added. Creating a free account allows us to support ongoing updates, share new releases, and better understand how these resources are used—while keeping the Collection free and publicly accessible.

Is there a cost to access the Collection?

No. Access to the updated HML Material Collections is completely free. An account is required only to help sustain the resource and communicate updates.

How will my information be used?

Your email allows Healthy Materials Lab to share updates about newly vetted materials, collection expansions, and related research. We do not sell or share user information.

How often will I receive emails?

We promise to communicate thoughtfully and sparingly, sharing updates only when there are meaningful additions or relevant research to share.

What if I already used the Collection before?

Existing users will simply need to create an account in the new portal to continue accessing the Collection. All vetted materials remain available.

Can I search materials the same way as before?

Yes, and there are more ways. The updated interface includes improved navigation and new search capabilities, including the ability to search by ingredient, application, or brand.

Will new materials continue to be added? 

If you are a manufacturer and are interested in adding your product to the list, please use this submission form.

Can I add a material to the list?

Yes. The updated HML Material Collections will continue to grow as materials are vetted and new collections are developed.